Last Updated: 16th Jan 2024
Last Updated: 16th Jan 2024
Closed More info
The bridge at the Bethell's end of Te Henga Walkway has washed away. There are many large slips and landslides throughout the track. The walkway is completely inaccessible and fully closed for the foreseeable future. Check DOC website for updates.
Please notify us if this has changed.
Grunt Factor: 34 ?
Gnarl Factor: 43 ?
20.0km
920m
920m
200m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.0%
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5:00
Slow
3:45
Moderate
2:30
Fast
Cross the stream on the wee bridge and run towards the sea, following the trail over towards O'Neills Bay. The trail runs in the dines just behind the beach and leads onto the first big climb .
After knocking off this grunter follow your nose and Te Henga Trail signs as the trail wends it way north up and down some steep stuff on this spectacular coastal track with stunning views (if it's full sun watch the exposure as there's next to no tree cover on this section)
You will eventually find the track veers inland over a small hill across a paddock and on to the delightful (haha) Constable Rd stairs. These are a quad burner, pace yourself tiger.
Once at the top you'll meet up with Constable Rd, your turn around point.
Head back the way you came - don't worry, running south this time it feels like a very different trail with different views to take your mind off the pain!
Cliff Tops, Black Sand Beaches, Big Hills, Trans-Tasman Views.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
No transport to here but safe enough parking and usually plenty of it unless it's the middle of a great summers day
43 km
45 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Very patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
None (other than the tap by the bridge right at the start)
Take your own and take plenty, especially if it's a hot day
It's exposed for much of the run so expect heat and sun to be a factor on a good day or wet and cold winds (Sou-Westers) on a not-so-good day when extra layers and a seam-sealed jacket are a must.
Cliffs - if you fall from these you will make a hell of a mess of yourself and the rocks below which is a real pain in the butt for the rangers to have to clean up. Don't run this alone in high winds and take extreme care on a windy day - it's a wild, invigorating place but it has real risks especially if the wind is a howling offshore (easterly). It's usually a Westerly by the way.
Be aware of the exposure hazards and pack sunscreen & plenty of water.s
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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The trail has reopened with a load of new stairs above O'Neills Bay and a short slip diversion in place about two thirds of the way to Constable Rd. It's pretty greasy after all the rain in early January, and loads of fun!
January 8, 2023
SP
Absolutely fantastic run! Easy start from the car park but fairly tough up hill to get the lungs burning the first few Ks! Scenery was hard to beat, getting there early key to avoiding the heat of the day & sun exposure!
June 13, 2021
Oh my gosh, stunning! Only disappointed I haven’t made it out here earlier. Ran by myself but couldn’t help letting out a laugh and whoop at how gorgeous it was. I’m not normally one to stop for photos, but couldn’t help myself today! Will definitely be back to explore further. Take plenty of water (I took 1.5l, starting at about 8.30am, and ran out about 2km from end). Highly recommend.
February 14, 2021
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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